(Lecture 2: 8/26) Desktop Computer Hardware, Processor Architectures, and Infrastructure Notes

Vocabulary flashcards identifying key computer hardware components, storage types, peripheral classifications, and processor architectures covered in the lecture.

Moonshot

A business term for a project attempting to solve a extremely difficult "wicked problem" with a very small chance of success, but transformational potential if solved.

Peripheral

Any hardware device connected to a desktop computer that sits outside of the main case or tower where the primary computing power resides.

Input Peripheral

A device used to enter data or commands into a computer, such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or touchscreen monitor.

Output Peripheral

A device used to get information or physical output out of a computer, such as a traditional monitor, projector, speaker, printer, or CNC machine.

CNC

Computer Numerically Controlled; a machining tool used in manufacturing that acts as an output device controlled by a computer.

USB

Universal Serial Bus; a standard interface used to connect external devices to computers, providing $5\,\text{volts}$ DC power.

Toolless Case

A desktop computer enclosure designed to be opened using thumbscrews or latches without requiring external tools.

SSD

Solid-State Drive; a fast, durable non-volatile storage device with no moving parts used to persistently store computer data.

Non-Volatile Persistent Data

Data saved on a storage medium (like an SSD or HDD) that remains intact even after the device loses electrical power.

RAM

Random Access Memory; volatile temporary working memory that allows a computer to run applications simultaneously and is erased when power is shut off.

Volatile Memory

Temporary storage space in a computer (such as RAM) whose data is erased as soon as the device loses power.

HDD

Hard Disk Drive; an older non-volatile storage technology using physical magnetic platters, which is slower, more power-hungry, and more prone to failure than an SSD.

PSU

Power Supply Unit; an internal hardware component that converts AC line voltage ($110\text{--}120\,\text{V}$) into DC power (such as $12\,\text{V}$) for internal electronics.

CPU

Central Processing Unit; the main "brains" of the computer responsible for executing processing tasks and binary calculations using flipping transistors.

Heat Sink

A thermal metal component attached to high-heat processors (like CPUs or GPUs) that conducts heat away to a cooling fan.

GPU

Graphical Processing Unit (video card); a specialized processor originally designed for graphics rendering, now widely used for parallel AI processing and neural networks.

X86 Architecture

A traditional central processing unit architecture commonly used in Intel and AMD processors for standard PCs.

ARM Architecture

A processor architecture featuring unified memory and high power efficiency, commonly used in modern MacBooks, mobile devices, and select Windows PCs.

RISC 5 (Risk V)

An open-source, royalty-free processor architecture that competes against ARM and x86 architectures.

Raspberry Pi 0 W

A miniature, highly affordable single-board computer running at $900\,\text{MHz}$ with built-in RAM, CPU, wireless networking, and USB capability.